This October marks the ten-year anniversary of the “new” Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) annimal shelter building here in Washtenaw County. [1,2]
Those who visited and maybe even volunteered at the prior facility, built in 1951, would surely agree that it needed to be replaced. And those no more than casually familiar with the current 2009 can see for themselves how that it has lived up to its promise.
We wanted to build a modern facility — one that would allow HSHV to be a model of best practices in animal sheltering, prevention services, and community support — one that would save more lives and give more animals a second chance at finding loving, lifelong homes.
Stewardship over the trust that this community has placed in them was independently rated at 93.85 out of 100 in the most recent Charity Navigator assessment. [3,4]
In its own 2017 Annual Report, Humane Society of Huron Valley has cited the following key markers of its success. [5]
- Facilitated the adoption of 5,317 animals
- Rescued 198 cats and kittens, and 1,168 dogs and puppies from high risk shelters through its “Love Train” initiative
- Over 7,100 animals came in through its intake doors (the highest number in a decade)
- Reunited 540 lost animals with their families
- Attracted 899 people to help raise funds through its annual Walk & Wag and Run event
Of the $7.7 million in revenue that year, a solid 85% of every dollar went to “mission-related services.”
This Saturday, May 18, the 2019 annual HSHV Walk & Wag and Run fundraiser will once again be held at Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti Michigan. Among the many opportunities to donate, local radio host Lucy Ann Lance has enlisted her own dog to make a “Beau the Bichon!” appeal. [6-8]
This is also a topic of keen interest to Senator Gary Peters — known in this area for his introduction of Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) legislation last year. “Events like Walk & Wag are important,” he told Saline Journal last month, “because they bring attention to what’s available to families. [9,10]
Dogs and cats improve the quality of life for the people in homes they’re brought into; that’s a fact. People often think ‘puppies,’ but it’s especially true of older dogs. They know what they are coming into when they’re adopted, and they really show their appreciation.
In other words, this is all win-win.
So, as headline above says, those who can walk, wag, or run this weekend are encouaged to do so for a very good cause. And since the work and the need continue year round, so, to, does the opportunity to give support. [11-13]
References
- Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) (home page).
- “The New Shelter Opened on October 28, 2009” (2009) Humane Society of Huron Valley.
- “Humane Society of Huron Valley” (June 1, 2018) Charity Navigator.
- Charity Navigator (home page).
- 2017 Annual Report: Lovin’ the Numbers (2017) Humane Society of Huron Valley.
- “Rolling Hills County Park” Washtenaw County.
- The Lucy Ann Lance Show (home page).
- “Beau the Bichon!” Lucy Ann Lance (April 11, 2019) Facebook Fundraisers.
- Gary Peters: United States Senator for Michigan (home page).
- “Peters Bill to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence & Pets to be Signed into Law” (December 13, 2018) Gary Peters: United States Senator for Michigan.
- “Donate” HSHV.
- “Sponsor” HSHV.
- “Volunteer” HSHV.
